Soccer | DD News

June 15, 2025 1:01 PM

No goal, but Messi’s influence on show in Club World Cup opener

Although he did not score, Lionel Messi again proved his worth with Inter Miami, showing some brilliance and avoiding injury as they got off to a decent start in the Club World Cup with a goalless draw against African giants Al-Ahly from Egypt on Saturday. WHY IT'S IMPORTANT Messi draws massive crowds to stadiums, and attendance will be a key measure of the revamped Club World Cup's success or failure. On Saturday, almost 61,000 fans filled the Hard Rock Stadium, making for a festive atmospher...

June 11, 2025 5:04 PM

Mexico readies for historic third World Cup as Azteca Stadium tensions grow

With a year until Mexico makes history as the first three-time World Cup host, the dream of a spectacular showcase is colliding with the practical challenges of modernising the iconic Azteca Stadium for global soccer's premier event. Beneath the imposing silhouette of Mexico's football cathedral - where Pele dazzled with Brazil in 1970 and Maradona's 'hand of God' propelled Argentina to glory in 1986 - construction crews tackle the formidable task of bringing one of the sport's most storied ven...

June 9, 2025 10:06 AM

Portugal’s emotional Ronaldo rejoices in winning Nations League

Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo shed tears of joy as they won their second Nations League title on Sunday, insisting that winning trophies with his country beats all club honours. Ronaldo's 138th international goal in the second half took the final to penalties after a 2-2 draw with Spain, with the substituted 40-year-old forward looking on from the sidelines as Portugal netted all five spot kicks to claim the title. The triumph, which left the five-times Champions League winner in tears, w...

June 6, 2025 9:40 AM

Spain beat France 5-4 in thriller to reach Nations League final

Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal inspired his country to a thrilling 5-4 win over France on Thursday to send the holders through to their third successive Nations League final where they will face Iberian neighbours Portugal. The European champions dazzled in the first half of the semi-final at the MHP Arena and raced into a 2-0 lead with fine goals by Nico Williams and Mikel Merino inside 25 minutes. Spain's 17-year-old starlet Yamal then got in on the act to coolly add a third from the...

June 5, 2025 9:28 AM

Man City’s third-placed finish may be better achievement than title win: Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola described his team's first trophyless campaign since 2017 as a season of growth and reflection, dismissing notions of failure and suggesting it may have been a greater achievement than a previous title win. "I want to suffer when I'm not winning games," Guardiola told Reuters in an exclusive interview. "I want to feel bad. I want to sleep badly. I want that when the situation goes bad, it affects me... I want that! “I'm angry... my food, it tastes worse....

June 5, 2025 9:19 AM

Ronaldo fires Portugal into Nations League final

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner as Portugal fought back to beat Germany 2-1 on Wednesday, with the 40-year-old bagging his 137th international goal to send them into the Nations League final. It was Portugal's first win over Germany since 2000 with Ronaldo's goal earning them a spot in their second Nations League final, after winning the inaugural edition in 2019. Spain and France will clash in the other semi-final on Thursday to decide who will face Portugal in the decider on Sunday. Ger...

June 4, 2025 9:18 AM

FIFA’s inaugural Club World Cup set to kick off in the US amid challenges

FIFA's billion-dollar gamble to revolutionise club football begins a week on Sunday with plenty of cash up for grabs but questionable enthusiasm as 32 teams prepare to contest the expanded Club World Cup in 12 stadiums across the United States. The tournament – designed as a glittering curtain-raiserfor the 2026 World Cup – has had to contend with the prospect of empty seats along with controversial qualification rules and player welfare concerns after an exhausting European season. Lionel...

March 15, 2025 12:42 PM

Van Dijk eyes place among Liverpool’s great captains

Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk said winning a second League Cup trophy on Sunday against Newcastle United would give him a place among the captains who had achieved great things at the Premier League club. The Dutch defender scored the winner in the 118th minute against Chelsea at Wembley last year, securing his first trophy as skipper. The 33-year-old replaced Jordan Henderson as captain in 2023 under Jurgen Klopp and has retained the armband under new manager Arne Slot. "If you were to lift th...

December 23, 2024 11:03 AM

Soccer-Liverpool hit Tottenham for six to cement top spot, Chelsea held

Liverpool strengthened their hold on the Premier League top spot with an extraordinary 6-3 victory at battered Tottenham Hotspur after second-placed Chelsea were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw away to Everton on Sunday. Mohamed Salah scored twice, as did Luis Diaz, while Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai were also on target at bamboozled Spurs for Dutchman Arne Slot's Liverpool side who head into Christmas four points clear. Chelsea could have gone into first place before Liverpool's ...

December 16, 2024 10:25 AM

Chelsea narrowly defeat Brentford 2-1 to move within two points of Premier League leaders Liverpool

Buoyant Chelsea moved within two points of leaders Liverpool on Sunday as goals from Marc Cucurella and Nicolas Jackson earned them a 2-1 victory over neighbours Brentford, their fifth Premier League win in a row. Chelsea pushed Brentford back from the start, with 15 attempts on goal in the first half, but it was not until the 43rd minute that Cucurella raced into the area and dived athletically to head Noni Madueke's cross past goalkeeper Mark Flekken. It was the Spain fullback's first Premier...